Goodbye Ava

Yesterday we took Ava to the airport to begin her year as a Rotary Youth Exchange student.  I have had very mixed feelings about this day since we found out a month ago this would be her departure date.  We are so excited for her to go but we are also so sad she'll be away from home for a year.  

She packed SO much.  The girl loves clothes and her shoes and she filled both of her suitcases plus her carry on bag to the brim with stuff. 

We drove to the Philadelphia airport  about 4 hours away from our house for Ava to catch her flight to Paris.  From Paris she will go to Prague.

Over the weekend Ava had many teary goodbyes with her friends and family.  I am so thankful that she has so many people that love her and care about her. 

Saying goodbye at the airport was so hard. We all cried.    I know she is going to have a great year but it was hard letting her go.  

At her party I asked people to write her notes to read in the Czech Republic.  We packed these in her suitcase and if she gets lonely she can look at them and be reminded of her friends and family back at home.

This morning she landed in Prague!  Her host family was there to pick her up.  Her host Mom has been messaging me a lot on Facebook and she has sent pictures and videos.  I am so thankful for them.  I love seeing these pictures!  

Please keep Ava in your thoughts and prayers this week as she transitions from life in the USA  to being an exchange student.  She will get settled in her new house this week and she starts school on Friday. 

I hope you have a great week!

Xoxo